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What is the role of karma in Dvaita Vedanta?

In Dvaita Vedanta, karma plays a significant role in understanding the relationship between the individual soul (Atman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to this school of thought, the individual soul is distinct from Brahman and is bound by the law of karma, which governs the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

Karma, in Dvaita Vedanta, refers to the actions and intentions of an individual that have consequences in this life and the next. It is believed that every action, whether good or bad, creates an imprint on the soul and determines the individual's future experiences. This is known as the law of cause and effect.

The concept of karma is closely related to the idea of samsara, which is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. According to Dvaita Vedanta, the ultimate goal of an individual is to break free from this cycle and attain liberation (moksha) by realizing the true nature of the self and its relationship with Brahman.

Karma is seen as a way to attain this liberation. It is believed that through performing good actions and cultivating positive intentions, an individual can accumulate good karma, which will eventually lead to a better rebirth or even liberation. On the other hand, negative actions and intentions lead to the accumulation of bad karma, which results in a lower rebirth or prolonged suffering.

In Dvaita Vedanta, karma is also seen as a means to purify the soul. It is believed that the soul carries the impressions of past actions and experiences, known as samskaras, which can hinder its true nature from being realized. Through the law of karma, an individual can work towards purifying their soul and removing these hindrances, ultimately leading to liberation.

Furthermore, karma is also seen as a way to understand and accept the concept of duality in Dvaita Vedanta. The individual soul and Brahman are seen as two distinct entities, and the law of karma helps to maintain this distinction. It is believed that through the law of karma, the individual soul can experience the consequences of its actions, while Brahman remains untouched and unaffected.

In conclusion, karma plays a vital role in Dvaita Vedanta, as it is seen as a means to attain liberation, purify the soul, and understand the concept of duality. It emphasizes the importance of individual actions and intentions in shaping one's present and future experiences and ultimately leads to the realization of the true nature of the self and its relationship with Brahman.